1914 Biography - Edward O. Powers

Powers, Edward O., M. D., Baton Rouge, La., was born in East Feliciana parish, La., Oct. 23, 1865; son of John Edward and Sarah Jane (Gordon) Powers. The father was a native of Louisiana and the mother of Mississippi, her family being related to that of Gen. John B. Gordon. John Edward Powers, the father, was a grandson of Mark Powers, who came from North Carolina, with 7 sons and 6 daughters, in 1804, and located in East Baton Rouge parish, La. His son, Charles Powers, was a Methodist minister, and became the father of John Edward Powers, father of the subject of this sketch. John E. Powers, the father, served for 4 years in the Confederate army and was wounded, losing third and fourth fingers of the right hand. He combined the occupations of a building contractor and singing school teacher, and lived at Amite City, La,, where the son was reared and educated in private schools. Later he attended the B. D. Gullett collegiate institute at Amite City, and following this, entered the medical department of Tulane university, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1896. Following the completion of his professional education, Dr. Powers practiced in St. Helena parish until 1907, when he removed to Baton Rouge, where he has continued in the general practice. The doctor is a member of both the parish and state medical societies and the American Medical association. He is affiliated with the democratic party, and during Gov. Blanchard 's administration served as representative of St. Helena parish in the Louisiana state legislature. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the Baptist church. In addition to his professional practice, Dr. Powers is interested in cotton planting. In 1896 he married Miss Ovilla Nettles, of Grangeville, St. Helena parish, La. Five children have been born to their union, as follows: Laura, Sadie Jane, Edward O., John Ray and Bennett.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 365-366.